Are ear infections contagious between dogs?

Our question this week was:

Dr. Debra – Are ear infections contagious between 2 dogs in the same household? 2 Scottish Terriers – male 6 years and female 1 1/2 years

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Virginia Ross

Answer

Hi – thanks for your email. You asked if ear infections are contagious between two dogs. The answer is that some are and some are not. If ear mites are causing the infection – the ear infection is contagious. If the infection is caused by bacteria or yeast – they are not considered contagious. Some animals are predisposed to ear infections and are not necessarily considered contagious (again, unless it is caused by ear mites).

Articles that might be helpful to you are Ear Infections in dogs (Otitis Externa) and Ear Mites in Dogs.

Best of luck!

Dr. Debra

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